Help for Swindon families facing hunger this summer

Swindon children and their families facing hunger this summer are receiving extra support from Tesco.

This comes in response to the crucial need to help children who would normally receive free school meals during term time and are therefore at risk of missing meals during the holiday period.

The charity Trussell says food bank support for children remains 34% higher than before the pandemic, including a 24% increase in the number of emergency food parcels for children under five.

Meanwhile, a recent survey carried out by the charity Felix found that 41% of local charities receiving food via its food redistribution network have experienced an increase in demand in the last 12 months. For a further 13% of families, demand for food support had more than doubled in the past 12 months due to cost of living pressures.

From 20 July to 30 August, Tesco will sell its pre-filled food donation bags at all large stores in and around Swindon. The bags, which typically cost between £2 and £4, contain healthy and nutritious long-life food and essentials, and they can be paid for by customers at the checkout.

The donated items go directly to Felix and Trussell, which will distribute them to charities and food banks to help families who need it most.

Christine Heffernan, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at Tesco, said: “We want to be able to support our charity partners to help those needing a little extra support this summer. Our partnerships with Felix and Trussell are central to this aim.

“When you’re out doing your weekly shop this summer, dropping a few tins into a food collection point, picking up a food donation bag in our stores or rounding up our grocery bill can make a difference to the lives of children.”

The support through the summer holidays comes in addition to Tesco’s Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme, which currently supports schools during term time, helping children access fruit and vegetables during the school day and encouraging healthier eating habits from an early age.

In addition, from 3-9 August, Swindon customers will have the chance to round up their bill at the checkout to the nearest pound, with the funds being split between Felix and Trussell to support their work over the summer. Online customers will also be able to make a monetary donation through an online giving link on Tesco’s grocery home shopping website as they check out. Last year, generous Tesco shoppers donated just over £299,000.

Matthew van Duyvenbode, co-chief executive officer at Trussell, said: “No-one should need to turn to a charity for something as essential as food, and as we work towards achieving the long-term change needed, Tesco’s and the public’s support will make a real difference to families during this school holiday. We are so grateful to Tesco and to everyone who donates food this summer.”

Tesco is also bringing back Free Fruit for Kids for the summer. From 20 July to 30 August, children will be able to pick up free apples at checkouts in large Tesco stores. Click & Collect customers will also be given free apples for their children at selected stores.

Charlotte Hill, CEO at Felix, said: “During the school holidays, families will be facing additional financial burdens as they juggle the cost of childcare and food. Many will be turning to their local community and charities for support.

“That’s why the donation bags in Tesco stores are vital. The food donated will be shared with charities and community groups that can offer not just meals, but spaces and activities for children to play and make friends during the summer holidays, relieving the pressure on parents.

“Any Tesco shoppers that can donate an item or two to Felix will be making a valuable contribution to helping to support children and their families across the UK this summer. Together we can make a real difference, thank you Tesco.”

Tesco stores with cafés will also be running the Kids Eat Free scheme during the school summer holidays. This year it’s been expanded to run for longer and now includes weekends. The cafés will offer one free Kids Hot Meal Deal, Kids Breakfast or Kids Pick ‘n’ Mix deal with each item bought by an adult from as little as 60p when showing their Tesco Clubcard or Clubcard App at the till.